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Cosmic radiation exposure in subsonic air transport
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|April 1, 1978
Summary
This study quantifies cosmic radiation doses for U.S. air travelers. Average annual passenger dose was 2.82 mrem, while crew members received 160 mrem, highlighting occupational radiation exposure.
Area of Science:
- Aviation Safety
- Radiation Dosimetry
- Public Health
Background:
- Commercial air travel exposes passengers and crew to cosmic radiation.
- Previous studies on radiation doses in aviation were limited in scope.
- Understanding these doses is crucial for assessing potential health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the extent of cosmic radiation exposure for U.S. residents flying on commercial aircraft.
- To provide the most extensive dose assessment to date.
- To compare calculated doses with experimental data.
Main Methods:
- Utilized FAA and NASA-sponsored research combining computer calculations and experimental data.
- Analyzed 1973 statistics from 2.99 million intercity flights (581 billion seat-kilometers).
- Calculated average flight parameters: 1,084 km length, 9.47 km altitude, 1.41-hour duration.
Main Results:
- Average dose rate was 0.20 mrem/hour.
- Average annual passenger dose: 2.82 mrem.
- Average annual crew member dose: 160 mrem.
- Average annual radiation dose to the total U.S. population: 0.47 mrem/person/year.
Conclusions:
- Calculated doses align well with experimental data from various altitudes and latitudes.
- The study provides a comprehensive assessment of cosmic radiation exposure in commercial aviation.
- The significance of these population doses warrants further discussion and consideration.